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Originally Posted by QuickCummins  very nice plus detailed, but all that work why not get the STI-R?or did you come under the STI_R budget with this install |
Well, there are actually 2 reasons why I didn't go with the STi-R. First was the cost. This install probably cost me no more than $20 plus the STi. I got a hook-up on the STi and I believe this whole project cost me under $425. The second reason is the stealthness. I wanted the install to be 100% invisible. The STi-R is an awesome setup, but I'd still need to find a location for the remote and I don't think I could've done that in such a way that it would have been both invisible as well as easy to access.
I wanted it invisible, not only because radar detectors are illegal in Ontario, but also because I'm extremely picky about my interior and I just can't stand unsightly switches and accessories... =)
However, if I had access to an affordable STi-R back when I was trying to plan this install, I probably would've went that route. One of my first modification attempts was to relocate the 8-character LED display in the STi. I was considering putting it in the cluster area, the rear-view mirror or the overhead console somehow. But, tests showed that the display could not be simply extended with wire by more than a foot or two from the STi without having problems. I didn't want to reverse engineer the display interface and attempt to build some sort of repeater circuit for it, so I started to explore what I could do with just the alert LED signal.
I ran the STi in my car for a month or so before I started the install to get a familiarity with the unit and how it works, etc. I realized quickly that the display, while handy, is not needed.
Anyways, sorry about the rant. I hope that answers your question. =)